Chapter Forty-­Five

Chapter Forty-Five

Tobias

O pening the hotel door, I pause when I hear the familiar melody of "K." by Cigarettes After Sex. My woman is in a mood. Grinning, I shut the door and stalk into the living room of the suite in search of her. A freshly made drink waits on the antique bar cart, and I retrieve it, taking a healthy sip.

"Trésor?"

As expected, I get no reply. Walking into the bedroom, I see it's also empty aside from the garment bag laying on the bed with a note attached.

Tailored for a king.

Merry Christmas.

X

Setting my drink down on the dresser, I walk over to it and unzip it, revealing a classic Armani with a skinny tie and freshly starched white pocket square.

"Trésor," I sigh, running my fingers over the material in appreciation; I can't help my grin.

It's fucking perfect.

This woman knows me, my story, my beginning and my middle, my flaws, the history of my scars—my strengths and weaknesses. She sees so clearly past my armor and is the only one capable of going further, penetrating flesh and blood to get to the beating heart beneath. I gave that power to her, to hold it in her hand and do what she will with it. And even with it—knowing what she's capable of doing to me—she continues to love, accepting the burden fully while remaining loyal and faithful.

The liberation that comes with her acceptance is one I unknowingly searched for and found in her. In these precious seconds, I bask in the understanding that I have someone to share myself with; a partner, a lover, confidante, and friend. Her love is all the validity I'll ever need.

Just beneath the collar lays a small leather box. I pick it up and open it to see two custom-crafted cufflinks, painstakingly molded in great detail. A raven, wings fully stretched. Any doubts I had about her message vanish as I begin to shed my clothes.